Although it is rare, suicide is a risk that every employer should plan for. There were close to 5,000 suicides in England in 2015, this equates to someone taking their life almost every two hours.

Men are three times more likely to take their lives than women, while men in construction and women in culture, media and sport have higher risk rates still.

Suicide is often preventable if people receive the right support at the right time. The stumbling block is that talking about it is generally viewed as taboo. Employers therefore have a responsibility to encourage a culture of openness and honesty so that people feel able to talk about their mental health if they are having a crisis or having suicidal thoughts. 

There are generic warning signs that indicate someone is suffering from stress or in a crisis situation; deterioration in performance at work, a new pattern of lateness or absence, withdrawing from colleagues socially, changes in personality or behaviour (anger, anxiety, signs of self inflicted harm). 

Employers should suggest that employees speak to their GP, or call lines such as the Samaritans or CALM. Provide support and make it clear you are always there to listen.